Illegal dog trapping and cat smuggling have become alarmingly common, with an animal rescue group reporting that it saved 351 animals in Hong Kong over the past six months – an average of two per day.
As Paws Guardian Rescue Shelter, now in its 10th year, released a report on Tuesday detailing the condition of the animals it had saved in the past six months, its founder – who led most of the operations – told the Post how brutal recent cases had become.
Founder Kent Luk Ka-chit said that in December alone, the group rescued four seriously injured dogs caught in illegal traps set up by residents to catch wild boars on hillsides in areas including Lau Fau Shan, Ngau Chi Wan and Siu Lam.
“The most common trap has a wire noose with a spring mechanism. Shortly after a dog is trapped, the noose tightens around its limb as it struggles, cutting off blood circulation and exposing bones in many cases,” Luk said.
“Of the four rescued dogs, one was being treated. Three had one of their limbs amputated. It already incurred massive vet bills of more than HK$200,000 [US$26,000] for saving their lives so far.
“The situation has become alarmingly common in recent months. It’s really hard for us to keep raising enough funds.”
